Packing insert

ABSTRACT

A packing insert is shown, which includes a first face, a second face, opposite the first face, a first side support and a second side support. The first side support is flexibly connected to the first face and the second face, preferably to one edge of each face. When not fully extended, the side supports bend inwards between the first face and the second face, and they are in positions with respect to the first face and the second face and each other such that when they are bent inwards between the first face and the second face, the first support member does not interfere with the second support member. In different arrangement, each side support includes a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the first face and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the second face. The forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face. In various forms, each side support includes a multi-position locking hinge or a cam-locking hinge or a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. The distance between the first face and the second face is adjusted by changing the angles formed by the first side support and the second side support. In one form, the first face and the second face are both substantially planar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to packing boxes and file drawers.

2. Description of Related Art

Previous packing inserts fall mainly into three classes: those with corner inserts, those which grip the sides of the container and those with inward folding sides: U.S. Pat. No. 0,974,871, PACKING OR SHIPPING BOX (Ferres), FIGS. 8 and 12; U.S. Pat. No. 0,987,958, PACKING OR SHIPPING BOX (Clenny et al.), FIGS. 7, 8 and 9; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,742,219, ACCORDION PLEATED CUSHIONING STRIP (Van Antwerpen). All of the patents with inwardly folding sides have sides which are essentially full height (or length) and are aligned with the other sides rather than offset. They all seem to keep in place through outside pressure rather than a locking mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,973, SPACER PAD (Kalbrener) shows various legs are offset from each other, although they are not opposite each other like the inwardly folding sides of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A packing insert according to the present invention includes a first face, a second face, opposite the first face, a first side support and a second side support. The first side support is flexibly connected at one end to the first face, preferably to one edge, and is flexibly connected at the opposite end to the second face, preferably at one edge. The second side support is flexibly connected at one end to the first face opposite the connection to the first side support, and preferably to the edge of the first face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support and is flexibly connected at the opposite end to the second face opposite the connection of the first side support, and preferably to the edge of the second face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support. When not fully extended, the side supports bend inwards between the first face and the second face. In a preferred form, the first face is substantially planar and the second face is substantially planar. The distance between the first substantially planar face and the second substantially planar face is adjusted by changing the angles formed by the first side support and the second side support.

The first side support and the second side support are in positions with respect to the first face and the second face and each other such that when they are bent inwards between the first face and the second face, the first support member does not interfere with the second support member. In a preferred arrangement, the first side support is flexibly connected to the first face and the second face at a position which is different from that of the second side support, so that when the first side support and the second side support are bent inwards sufficiently far, they pass each other without interfering with each other.

In one preferred arrangement, the first side support includes a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the first face and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the second face. The forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face. Similarly, the second side support includes a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to the edge of the first face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to the edge of the second face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support. The forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face.

In one arrangement, the first side support further includes a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In a preferred form, the second side support also includes a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In another arrangement, the first side support includes a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In a preferred form, the second side support also includes a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In yet another arrangement, the first side support includes a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. Again, in a preferred form, the second side support also includes a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.

These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packing insert according to the present invention, in use in packing a box with looseleaf notebooks;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a packing insert according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a hinge of the packing insert of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the packing insert of FIG. 2 in a collapsed position;

FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the hinge of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is yet another embodiment of the hinge of FIG. 3:

FIG. 6A is a friction spacer used in the cam-locking mechanism shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 6B is a tension spring used in the cam-locking mechanism shown in FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a packing insert according to the present invention is referred to generally by reference numeral 10, and it includes a first substantially planar face 12, a second substantially planar face 14, opposite the first face, a first side support 16 and a second side support 18. The first side support is flexibly connected at one end to the first face, preferably to one edge 20 of the first face and is flexibly connected at the opposite end to one edge 22 of the second face. The second side support is flexibly connected at one end to the first face opposite the connection to the first side support, and preferably to the edge 24 of the first face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support and is flexibly connected at the opposite end to the edge 26 of the second face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support. When not fully extended, the side supports bend inwards between the first face and the second face. The distance 42 between first substantially planar face 12 and second substantially planar face 14 is adjusted by changing the angles 44 and 46 formed by first side support 16 and second side support 18.

First side support 16 and second side support 18 are in positions with respect to first face 12 and second face 14 and each other such that when they are bent inwards between the first face and the second face, the first support member does not interfere with the second support member. In the case illustrated, first side support 16 is connected to the top of the two faces, and second side support 18 is connected to the bottom of the two faces. Each side support is less than half the height of the faces, so that side support 16 passes over the top of side support 18 without hitting it or otherwise interfering with its operation. In a preferred arrangement, the first side support is flexibly connected to the first face and the second face at a position which is different from that of the second side support, so that when the first side support and the second side support are bent inwards sufficiently far, they pass each other without interfering with each other. Referring also to FIG. 4, this allows packing insert 10 to be folded flat for storage purposes or for when a box or file drawer is nearly full.

In one preferred arrangements first side support 16 includes a forward support member 28 flexibly connected at one end to edge 20 of the first face and a rear support member 30 flexibly connected at one end to edge 22 of the second face. The forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face. Similarly, second side support 18 includes a forward support member 32 flexibly connected at one end to edge 24 of the first face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support and a rear support member 34 flexibly connected at one end to edge 26 of the second face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support. The forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face.

Referring also to FIG. 3 in one arrangement, the first side support further includes a multi-position locking hinge 36 rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In a preferred form, the second side support also includes a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In another arrangement, referring to FIG. 5, the first side support includes a cam-locking hinge 38, preferably with a friction spacer 48, rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In a preferred form, the second side support also includes a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the real support member. Referring now to FIG. 6, to FIG. 6A and to FIG. 6B, an alternative embodiment 40 of the cam-locking hinge includes a friction spacer 48, rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In a preferred form, the second side support also includes a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. In yet another arrangement, the first side support includes a tension spring hinge 50 rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. Again, in a preferred form, the second side support also includes a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it is now easy to see if one has items in a box 52 or drawer or similar container such as loose-leaf binders 54 and 56, then angles 44 and 46 are adjusted so that distance 42 fills the empty space within the box. Face 12 is against the loose-leaf binders and face 14 is against the opposite side of the box. The loose-leaf binders are thus snugly packed in the box rather than being loose.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is well adapted to attain all of the ends and objectives hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A packing insert, comprising in combination: a first face; a second face, opposite the first face; a first side support, flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the first face and flexibly connected at the opposite end to one edge of the second face, and bending inwards between the first face and the second face; and a second side support, flexibly connected at one end to the edge of the first face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support and flexibly connected at the opposite end to the edge of the second face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support, and bending inwards between the first face and the second face, wherein the first side support and the second side support are in positions with respect to the first face and the second face and each other such that when they are bent inwards between the first face and the second face, the first support member does not interfere with the second support member, and wherein the first side support is connected to the top of the two faces, and second side support is connected to the bottom of the two faces, and wherein each side support is less than half the height of the faces, so that the first side support passes over the top of the second side support without hitting the second side support or otherwise interfering with the operation of the second side support, and wherein the distance between the first face and the second face is adjusted by changing the angles formed by the first side support and the second side support.
 2. A packing insert according to claim 1, wherein the first side support is flexibly connected to the first face and the second face at a position which is different from that of the second side support that when the first side support and the second side support are bent inwards sufficiently far, that they pass each other without interfering with each other.
 3. A packing insert according to claim 2, wherein: the first face is substantially planar; the second face is substantially planar; the first side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the first face and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the second face, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face; and the second side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to the edge of the first face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to the edge of the second face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face.
 4. A packing insert according to claim 3, wherein the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the real support member.
 5. A packing insert according to claim 37, wherein: the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 6. A packing insert according to claim 3, wherein the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 7. A packing insert according to claim 3, wherein: the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 8. A packing insert according to claim 3, wherein the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 9. A packing insert according to claim 3, wherein: the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 10. A packing insert according to claim 1, wherein: the first side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the first face and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to one edge of the second face, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face; and the second side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to the edge of the first face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to the edge of the second face which is opposite the edge connected to the first side support, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face.
 11. A packing insert according to claim 10, wherein the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 12. A packing insert according to claim 10, wherein: the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 13. A packing insert according to claim 10, wherein the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 14. A packing insert according to claim 10, wherein: the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 15. A packing insert according to claim 10, wherein the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 16. A packing insert according to claim 10, wherein: the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 17. A packing insert, comprising in combination: a first face; a second face, opposite the first face; a first side support, flexibly connected at one end to the first face and flexibly connected at the opposite end to the second face, and bending inwards between the first face and the second face; and a second side support, flexibly connected at one end to the first face opposite the connection to the first side support and flexibly connected at the opposite end to the second face opposite the connection to the first side support, and bending inwards between the first face and the second face, wherein the first side support and the second side support are in positions with respect to the first face and the second face and each other such that when they are bent inwards between the first face and the second face, the first support member does not interfere with the second support member, and wherein the first side support is connected to the top of the two faces, and second side support is connected to the bottom of the two faces, and wherein each side support is less than half the height of the faces, so that the first side support passes over the top of the second side support without hitting the second side support or otherwise interfering with the operation of the second side support, and wherein the distance between the first face and the second face is adjusted by changing the angles formed by the first side support and the second side support.
 18. A packing insert according to claim 17, wherein the first side support is flexibly connected to the first face and the second face at a position which is different from that of the second side support that when the first side support and the second side support are bent inwards sufficiently far, that they pass each other without interfering with each other.
 19. A packing insert according to claim 18, wherein: the first face is substantially planar; the second face is substantially planar; the first side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to the first face and a real support member flexibly connected at one end to the second face, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face; and the second side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to the first face opposite the connection to the first side support and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to the second face opposite the connection to the first side support, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face.
 20. A packing insert according to claim 19, wherein the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 21. A packing insert according to claim 19, wherein: the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the real support
 22. A packing insert according to claim 19, wherein the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 23. A packing insert according to claim 19, wherein: the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 24. A packing insert according to claim 19, wherein the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 25. A packing insert according to claim 19, wherein: the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member, and the second side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 26. A packing insert according to claim 17, wherein: the first side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to the first face and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to the second face, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face; and the second side support comprises a forward support member flexibly connected at one end to the first face opposite the connection to the first side support and a rear support member flexibly connected at one end to the second face opposite the connection to the first side support, wherein the forward support member and the rear support member are rotatably connected to each other at their ends which are opposite the first face and the second face.
 27. A packing insert according to claim 26, wherein the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 28. A packing insert according to claim 26, wherein: the first side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a multi-position locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 29. A packing insert according to claim 26, wherein the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 30. A packing insert according to claim 26, wherein: the first side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a cam-locking hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 31. A packing insert according to claim 26, wherein the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member.
 32. A packing insert according to claim 26, wherein: the first side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member; and the second side support further comprises a tension spring hinge rotatably connecting the forward support member to the rear support member. 